Flex Fund Overview
The Flexible Transportation Fund (Flex Fund) was established by the 68th Legislative Assembly to complement the Federal Aid Highway program and further support an interconnected transportation system in our great state. The funds will be used to improve the transportation infrastructure on and off the state highway system, and to match local funds and federal discretionary grant funds that may become available.
The Flex Fund is comprised of two programs:
- 25% Set-Aside – open to non-oil producing counties and townships.
- Partner Allocation – open to any city, county, township, or Tribal Nation in North Dakota.
Resources
- Application Form (Deadline: Dec. 31, 2023)
- Program Guidance
- Application Instructions
- Oil Producing Counties Map
Results
Flexible Transportation Fund Awarded Projects
Flex Fund Map Instructions
Flex Fund Legislative Report | May 2024
Flex Fund Results Informational Meeting
FAQ
For questions, email flexfund@nd.gov.
- Non-oil producing counties.
- Unorganized townships in non-oil producing counties.
- Organized township that levies 18 mills in their general-purpose fund by January 1, 2024, in non-oil producing counties.
- All townships must work with their respective county to submit the application.
Any city, county, township, or Tribal Nation in North Dakota.
Any project that improves or maintains a paved or unpaved roadway or public bridge.
Yes. The Flex Fund was established by the 68th Legislative Assembly to provide state funds to improve and maintain our interconnected state and local transportation system.
Yes, there is no limit on the number of applications.
No, this program is a reimbursement program. Each approved project will have a funding agreement that details the total funds available and funding split if applicable. As the work is done, an applicant will submit a request for reimbursement to the NDDOT with appropriate invoices, progress estimates, etc. for payment.
Funds will not be paid for upfront; this is a reimbursement type program. Payment will be made only after work has progressed or has been completed.
Payments will be up to the amount agreed upon in the signed agreement. The applicant will be responsible for any costs above the awarded amount.
The intent is to have all projects completed within one or two years. Occasionally, there are circumstances that can delay projects, if this should happen, we will review that project and make a determination how we move forward.
Yes, a culvert replacement project would be an acceptable application. All culverts being replaced need to follow North Dakota Administrative Code 89-14-01, which requires them to be sized accordingly by an engineer.
No. But the Selection Committee, or NDDOT Director, may limit the funding on a project.
Depending on the scope of work, environmental and engineering professionals will need to be involved to ensure all permits and state or federal requirements are followed. Engineering costs and environmental studies are eligible costs for reimbursement.
Our state has many qualified engineering consultant firms that have the experience to help prepare any estimate. NDDOT has staff that can also help with estimates. Please email flexfund@nd.gov, and we will determine if we can help.
Once a project is approved, NDDOT and the applicant will enter into an agreement for the project. The funds will be reimbursed after work has been completed and the proper documents have been submitted to NDDOT for reimbursement.
The Flex Fund committee will score each application on how the application meets the following goals:
- How does the project support Complete Streets?
- How does the project improve the Multi-modal Transportation Infrastructure?
- Does the project remove a roadway restriction (height or weight limitation)?
- How does the project support Economic Development?
- Is the project Innovative?
- How does the project improve the Safety of our roadway network?
- What is the Financial Commitment of the applicant (including public private partnerships)?
- In addition, preference will be given to projects on local corridors.
- The following items are eligible if a project is selected:
- Preliminary Engineering
- Right of Way acquisition
- Utility Relocation
- Construction
- Construction Engineering
- Any work done prior to the project being awarded and agreement signed is not eligible for reimbursement.
Local corridors are defined as a road that connects to a County Major Collector (CMC), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), or State Road on both ends.
For the 25% set aside, there is approximately $42.0M available.